One Drive Deletion

To completely stop using OneDrive storage on Windows 11:

1. Turn off OneDrive syncing and unlink the PC.
   • Select the OneDrive cloud icon in the notification area.
   • Select the OneDrive Help and Settings icon, then Settings.
   • Go to the Account tab.
   • Select Unlink this PC, then Unlink account.
2. If OneDrive is currently backing up known folders, turn that off before moving files around.
   • In OneDrive settings, go to Sync and Backup and turn off folder backup if it is enabled.
   • This helps prevent files from continuing to sync while changes are being made.
3. Uninstall OneDrive from Windows 11.
   • Select Start, type Programs, and open Add or remove programs.
   • Under Apps & features, find Microsoft OneDrive and select Uninstall.
4. If local OneDrive files remain on the PC, remove the OneDrive folder.
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Right-click the OneDrive folder and select Delete.
5. If the goal is to remove cloud-stored files too, delete them from OneDrive on the web after unlinking the PC.
   • Sign in to onedrive.com and open My Files.
   • Select the top checkbox to select files.
   • Clear any shared folders and Personal Vault from the selection.
   • Select Delete.
   • Open the OneDrive Recycle bin and select Empty Recycle bin.

Important:

• Unlinking or uninstalling OneDrive does not delete files from OneDrive online by itself.
• Deleting files online and emptying the OneDrive recycle bin is permanent and files cannot be recovered.
• If the intention is only to stop using OneDrive because everything is already backed up to an external drive, unlinking and uninstalling OneDrive is sufficient. Cloud deletion is only needed if the online files should also be removed.

References:

• Turn off, disable, or uninstall OneDrive
• Permanently delete your entire OneDrive
• How to cancel or stop sync in OneDrive